Indian Columbus

Bala Ganapati with eight arms, the blue-colored Bhakti Ganapati, the sixteen-armed Veera Ganapati, Shakti Ganapati with his consort seated on his left lap, the three-headed Dvija Ganapati,  Uchchistha  Ganapati holding a lotus, the five-headed Heramba Ganapati seated on a lion—these are among the 32 different forms of Ganapati represented in this temple. Additionally, the temple features depictions of Ganeshas from various shrines across India and even from around the world, representations of the months, nakshatras (stars), and rasis (zodiac signs), as well as various stories related to Ganesha, including his wedding with Siddhi and Buddhi, his birth, and his battles against the Asuras. The temple walls are adorned with vibrant frescoes and stucco carvings, making it the most famous temple in Puducherry —the Manakula Vinayakar Temple . The east-facing temple, with its grand Raja Gopuram at the entrance, enshrines Ganapati in a seated posture with four arms. In his upper hand...

About 13 km from Tirunelveli lies Krishnapuram, a historically significant village home to a magnificent temple dedicated to Venkatachalapati. Traditionally, it is believed that those unable to visit the famous Tirupati temple can offer their prayers here at this 16th-century shrine. While most temple accounts begin with the deity, architecture, history, and legends before discussing sculptures, the true highlight of this temple is its breathtaking, life-sized sculptures from the Nayaka period. These sculptures are so remarkably detailed and lifelike that one could spend an entire month revisiting the temple just to admire them. Their craftsmanship is beyond words, and with photography not permitted, experiencing them in person becomes even more special. Since my primary focus is on these sculptures, I will depart from convention and begin with them before covering other aspects of the temple. Upon entering through the gopuram, to the right (on the northern side), stands the imposin...

Look up, and you'll see the temple’s ceilings bursting with colors and stories! These modern-era paintings aren’t just beautiful—they’re a visual encyclopedia. Curious about the Puranas? You’ll find them illustrated right above you. Want to understand the 108 karanas of Nataraja’s dance? They're all here. Interested in the lives of the 63 Nayanmars? Or eager to explore the 64 forms of Shiva? Maybe you’d like to take a visual journey through the six abodes of Subramanya or discover the many forms of Ganesha? Everywhere you turn, the temple’s ceilings and upper walls bring these themes to life—hundreds of breathtaking paintings and vibrant stucco images ensuring you don’t just visit this temple, but experience it. When you think of Puducherry, images of a quaint French town, colonial-era architecture, the serene Aurobindo Ashram, the scenic beach road, and stunning sunrises over the sea likely come to mind. However, beyond its colonial charm, Puducherry has a deep-rooted spiritu...

About 13 km from Tirunelveli lies Krishnapuram , a historically significant village home to a magnificent temple dedicated to Venkatachalapati . Traditionally, it is believed that those unable to visit the famous Tirupati temple can instead offer their prayers here at this 16th-century shrine. While it is customary to first discuss the temple’s deity, architecture, history, and legends before delving into its sculptures, the true highlight of this grand structure is its breathtaking, life-sized sculptures from the Nayaka period. These sculptures are so astonishingly lifelike and intricate that one could spend an entire month revisiting the temple just to admire their beauty. Words cannot do justice to their craftsmanship. Since photography is not permitted, experiencing them in person becomes even more special. As my primary focus is to provide a detailed account of these sculptures, I will depart from tradition and begin with them before covering other aspects of the temple. Upon e...

The Government Botanical Garden in Munnar is a haven for nature lovers, featuring a diverse collection of exotic and native plants. Situated amidst the stunning landscapes of the Western Ghats, the garden showcases well-manicured flower beds, rare plant species, and medicinal herbs. It serves as an excellent spot for educational visits, offering insights into the rich biodiversity of the region. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along its serene pathways, surrounded by vibrant blooms and lush greenery. The garden also plays a vital role in conservation, preserving endemic species unique to Munnar’s ecosystem. It is an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts, botany students, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature. Whether you are a casual visitor or a plant enthusiast, the Botanical Garden of Munnar offers a refreshing experience, blending scenic beauty with environmental awareness. Happy travelling.

Anaiyirangal, located 22 km from Munnar, is a picturesque destination surrounded by lush tea plantations and dense forests. The highlight is the Anaiyirangal Dam, a significant earthen dam built in the 1960s. The area is known for its scenic boat rides and frequent elephant sightings, as the name suggests—"Anai" (elephant) and "Irankal" (coming down). Visitors can explore tea estates, rocky landscapes, and nearby attractions like Power House Waterfalls. The serene environment makes it a perfect retreat for nature lovers. Happy travelling.